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WakeMed Blogs

National Healthcare Volunteer Week

April 10, 2016

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

This year, from April 10-16, we’re celebrating National Healthcare Volunteer Week. This week gives each of us a special opportunity to recognize the support that volunteers provide to our patients, families, hospital staff, and our community. It is the perfect occasion for us to focus on the many significant contributions that our volunteers make individually and collectively every day to the WakeMed mission.

Please take this opportunity to thank a volunteer and celebrate their service during National Volunteer Week. Promote awareness about healthcare volunteers and their contributions of time and service. Write a note, or simply take the time to stop and say ‘thank you’. Volunteers really make a difference in our community, and we appreciate it!

Volunteer Contributions at WakeMed

To give you a better idea of their contributions, here are a few of the FY15 outcomes from activities of WakeMed volunteers:

1,410 individual volunteers…

gave a combined 117,456 hours of service throughout the WakeMed Health & Hospitals system to patients, families and staff.

More than $84,438 of funding…

was raised through volunteer-sponsored fund raisers, and donations from individuals – allowing our volunteers to support programs and services for patients, families and medical staff!

Examples Include: Cardiac Rehab Scholarships for patients with restricted incomes and Sewing supplies for community volunteers who hand-make gifts for patients of all ages

At least 136 departments…

received direct support from volunteers, system wide.

At least 4,272 patient visits were conducted…

by Patient Relations Ambassadors , and surveys were completed and shared with Nursing and support department leaders.

At least 4,665 visits to patients were completed…

by 36 Hospitality Pet teams, who also made untold numbers of physician, staff and family “touches” in the process.

Cross-Generational Volunteering

WakeMed volunteers represent each generation between ages 16 and 95. Our volunteers engage in a wide range of activities, including:

Escorting and guiding patients and guests

Visiting patients

Coordinating visits for families

Offering diversionary activities for patients and families

Delivering mail and flowers

Completing detailed and complex projects

Answering phones/ filing

Running errands

And supporting WakeMed staff through countless additional activities – all with a smile!

Volunteers represent healthcare providers of the future, the workforce of today, the workforce of yesterday, and those who are dedicated to community support who have either never required nor had an opportunity for monetary compensation.

THANK YOU so much for your support in celebrating National Healthcare Volunteer Week.